http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=91522&d=29&m=1&y=2007&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
Monday, 29, January, 2007 (10, Muharram, 1428)
Indonesian Mission Moves to Bridge the Language Gap
Samir Al-Saadi, Arab News
JEDDAH, 29 January 2007 - The Indonesian Consulate is aiming at bridging
the communication gap between the nearly one million citizens living in the
Kingdom and their Saudi employers by holding free language courses. Saudis
welcomed the move and large numbers have started enrolling to learn Bahasa
Indonesia, the official language of the archipelago.
"One major problem facing Indonesian workers and their Saudi employers is
the language barrier," said a Saudi mother. "Very few Indonesians speak English
and nearly all Saudis lack any knowledge of the Indonesian language."
She said that the course should help her communicate better with her
Indonesian housekeeper and gain a better understanding of her as a person. "It
has made me seriously think of visiting Indonesia empowered with the basics I
learn here," she added.
Over 90 percent of Indonesian migrants in the Kingdom are women domestic
workers, according to embassy sources.
The courses, said officials, are expected to have a positive impact on
promoting tourism in Indonesia. Lately there has been an increase in the number
of Saudis choosing Indonesia as a holiday destination.
The long and strong relationship between the two countries inspired the
idea of the courses. As well as bridging the gap, the courses should also raise
the awareness of Indonesian culture and customs among the Saudi people, said
Yusuf Suryanegara, information consul at the Indonesian Consulate.
The three-monthlong courses are scheduled to start on Feb. 18 and are
provided free of charge, consulate officials said. The courses are going to be
for both men and women. "There is a class for females and is taught by a woman
teacher," said an official.
This is the second course of its kind conducted by the consulate in
Jeddah. The first course was held in mid-2006 and 79 students attended (42 for
level one and 37 for level two), Suryanegara said.
Similar to last year's courses, two levels will be held this time. The
student who successfully finishes a level will receive a certificate and move
on to the next level.
"The students that finished the first level last year will be given
priority in the second level classes this year," said Suryanegara. The
consulate started accepting applications yesterday, and will continue to do so
from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during weekdays until Feb. 14.
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